Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the boat accident in Anambra state, in which dozens of people were killed.
In a statement released by Special Assistance to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Sunday.
The boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized following rising floods in Ogbaru area of the state, with emergency bodies confirming a death toll of 76.
Following the tragedy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have embarked on rescue and recovery missions expeditiously.
As more details are awaited, the President has directed all other rescue and relief agencies to rush to the site of the accident.
He also directed the relevant agencies of government to check the safety protocols on these transport ferries to make sure such incidents are avoided in the future.
Buhari said he was saddened by the boat accident and directed that all possible efforts be made to account for all the passengers.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for everyone’s safety, as well as the well-being of the family members of the victims of this tragic accident,” said the President.
Peter Obi mourns 76 lives lost to boat accident in Anambra
The Presidential Candidate for Labour Party, Peter Obi has mourned those who lost their lives in the boat mishap in Anambra and those who died in different parts of the country, in the different natural disasters.
In his tweets on Sunday, “earlier, I received with sadness the reports of a boat mishap in Anambra State, which claimed no fewer than 76 lives and destruction of 10,000 Hectares Of Olam Rice Farm and Mill in Nasarawa State valued at $20 million by floods.
“These incidents, and very related unreported events have continued to occur in recent times. These are challenging times for us as a nation. But united in purpose and efforts, we shall come out stronger.
“I mourn those who lost their lives in the boat mishap and those who died in different parts of the country, in the different natural disasters.
“I condole with their families. I encourage Olam Nigeria Limited to stay strong. We are all in this together”, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate said.